Patrick is the first major Republican official in Texas to say he supports clarifying the state's near-total abortion ban this legislative session.

Patients and doctors have said the ban's only exception is so vague and the penalties are so steep that providers are reluctant to perform emergency abortions.

Patrick on Sunday said the Legislature should amend the language of the state’s near-total abortion ban to address confusion over when doctors may terminate pregnancies.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently said the state's near-total abortion ban needs clarification. The V-6 engine used to be the happy medium, providing more power than a four-cylinder and better gas mileage than a V-8.